MANILA, Philippines -- Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III on Wednesday denied offering money to fighters of the Royal Sulu Army for them to join his brother in going to Sabah to press their claim to the territory.

Kiram said he did not have the funds to pay the more than 200 followers who went with Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram to Sabah early last month.

After a lengthy standoff with Malaysian security forces in Tanduo village in Lahad Datu, fighting erupted last Friday. And on Tuesday, Malaysian forces mounted a massive attack against the sultanate’s followers.

However, as of Wednesday, security officials in Sabah acknowledged that their forces continued to look for Agbimuddin’s group and had expanded the search area.

"Ang sultanate handang magpakamatay. Hindi nasusuhulan (The sultanate is ready to die and cannot be bought)," Kiram said, reacting to reports about the money offer.

"Karangalan lang ang tinatanggap nila (Honor is the only thing they get). Dignity and honor," the sultan said.